MK Stalin stirs up North-South debate, says South supports North’s growth

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, while speaking at an event during his tour of the state’s Kongu belt (western and north-western part of Tamil Nadu), stated that the economic progress of southern states, led by Tamil Nadu, has significantly contributed to the nation’s growth, thereby providing for the northern states.
He credited the success to Tamil Nadu’s “Dravidian Model” of governance, which he described as inclusive, popular, and driven by developmental goals. The Chief Minister said, “The Dravidian Model Government is entwined with the people’s heart no matter if they voted for us or not. That is why people are supporting us and are expecting more from me. DMK’s popularity has increased when compared between Assembly and Parliament elections.”
Stalin emphasised that Tamil Nadu’s progress stands as a model in the nation, contrasting the state’s advancements with those of the northern states over the past five decades. “Tamil Nadu is now the second-largest economy in India and the most urbanised state. We lead in implementing development initiatives that align with United Nations standards,” he said.
Recalling the words of CN Annadurai, founder of DMK, Stalin said, “Anna used to say that the North is flourishing while the South is declining. But today we have made the South flourish. To be more precise, the South is only liberally providing for the North today. This is the true fact and it can’t be denied.”
Stalin stated that his administration’s governance aims to foster development across the state and that DMK’s popularity has grown between the last Assembly and Parliament elections, citing the support his government receives from the people as evidence.
Confident of his party’s enduring influence, he expressed optimism about returning to power in 2026, saying, “Noticing the welcome I received, it is pretty sure that DMK will win in 2026,” stated Chief Minister Stalin.